Microsphaeropsis arundinis skin and soft tissue infection in renal transplant recipients: three case reports and a review of the literature

Abstract

Microsphaeropsis arundinis, a dematiaceous mold, is emerging as a cause of skin and soft tissue infection in immunocompromised hosts. Diagnosis is challenging because of the difficulty in identifying Microsphaeropsis species morphologically and few data are available to guide optimal management. We report 3 renal transplant recipients with M. arundinis soft tissue infection, where the etiological agent was diagnosed using DNA sequencing, and who were successfully treated with prolonged courses of extended-spectrum triazole antifungal agents.

Aromatic Polyketides and Macrolides from Microsphaeropsis arundinis

“…Furthermore, four sp 3 carbons were also found to be present; these included two methyl groups in C-4' (d C 20.3) and C-2'' (d C 21.1) with different multiplicity. 7.23) with the carbonyl group in C-1'. The hydrogens related to the methyl group H-2'' (d H 1.97) only showed correlation with C-1''; these hydrogens were represented as a simplet, indicating their position at the extremity of the ester group.…”

“…According to the literature, this fungus is associated with rare infections of the skin and tissues of immunocompromised hosts. 7 Studies in the literature have reported the presence of sesquiterpenes (endowed with antifungal activity), 8 preussomerins (endowed with cytotoxic potential), 9…”

Cutaneous Microsphaeropsis arundinis infection in renal transplant recipients—A report of 2 cases and review of the literature

“… 1 , 2 , 3 , 5 Five of the cases have been reported in Australia, 1 , 3 2 in Japan, 5 and one in the United States. 2 All cases described have been in immunosuppressed patients including 4 renal transplant patients 1 , 2 and 4 patients receiving long-term corticosteroids, including 2 patients with chronic kidney disease, 3 1 patient with systemic lupus erythematosus and autoimmune hepatitis, and another patient with recalcitrant temporal arteritis. 3 Similarly, both the cases described in our cases series were postrenal transplant recipients on long-term immunosuppression to prevent organ rejection.…”

“…As Coelomycetes are implanted into human skin through trauma, the dorsal hands and feet are often involved. 1 , 5 …”

“…Microsphaeropsis arundinis is a dematiaceous mold of the coelomycetes class that is emerging as a cause of opportunistic cutaneous infections in immunocompromised hosts. 1 , 2 M arundinis typically inhabits plant hosts and is ubiquitous in soil and fresh water. 3 …”